Justin Baldoni has filed a high-profile lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, seeking an eye-popping $400 million in damages. However, legal experts suggest the astronomical figure is more about publicity than actual legal expectations.
Raiford Dalton Palmer, a family law attorney unaffiliated with the case, explained that such a massive sum is often a strategic move in lawsuits. “That number is arbitrary,” he noted, referencing the legal tactic known as “ad damnum.” “It has no real correlation to what can actually be proven.” Palmer added that aiming high is a common legal strategy, designed to generate media attention and intimidate the opposition.
Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, agreed, stating that the lawsuit is likely as much about Baldoni protecting his reputation as it is about financial compensation. “A large number makes for big headlines, but Baldoni is likely more focused on clearing his name than collecting damages,” Rahmani explained. “Losing representation from WME and a major industry award was a significant blow. This case is his way of reclaiming his public standing.”
Entertainment lawyer Camron Dowlatshahi shared a similar perspective, calling the lawsuit’s price tag a “PR move more than anything.” “The likelihood of Baldoni walking away with $400 million is incredibly slim,” he said. “Unless he can prove he was on track to make half a billion dollars before the alleged defamation and extortion, that number will never hold up in court.”
Baldoni’s legal team has yet to comment on these claims, nor have they provided an explanation for the staggering amount listed in the complaint.
Legal professionals point out that exaggerated damages are not uncommon in defamation lawsuits, as proving reputational harm is often speculative. Nicole Page, a corporate and entertainment attorney, emphasized that high-dollar lawsuits are frequently more about “sending a message” than seeking a realistic payout. “It’s about signaling that Baldoni is willing to fight hard to defend his reputation,” she said. “I doubt even he believes he’ll recover that amount.”
Despite the headline-grabbing lawsuit, the outcome remains uncertain. Rahmani emphasized that what truly matters is the jury’s final decision. “Baldoni could demand a billion dollars—it wouldn’t impact the trial itself,” he said. “What counts is what his attorneys request during closing arguments and what the jury actually awards.”
The lawsuit echoes past high-profile defamation cases, such as Johnny Depp’s legal battle against Amber Heard, which resulted in a significantly lower payout than initially sought. Fans and industry insiders watching the Baldoni-Lively case will have to wait until March 2026 for the trial to begin.
Meanwhile, Lively has countersued Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment, emotional distress, and lost wages. She claims he made inappropriate comments, fat-shamed her, and invaded her privacy while they worked together. Additionally, she alleges he orchestrated a smear campaign against her to damage her reputation.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has denied all allegations, calling Lively’s lawsuit “baseless” and “a desperate attempt to salvage her public image.” He also accused her of distorting events to shift blame away from herself.
As both parties prepare for a lengthy legal battle, Baldoni has taken his fight to the public, releasing behind-the-scenes footage and private audio recordings in an effort to challenge Lively’s claims. Her legal team has since requested a gag order to prevent further leaks, but Freedman insists they won’t be silenced.
With tensions mounting, the case continues to unfold, drawing intense scrutiny from both the media and fans of the two actors.
